Photo Credit: Adobe Stock – Bekir
Purchased in 1886 by real estate developer and entrepreneur Moses Hazeltine Sherman, the small settlement was originally used to construct two portions of electric railways, the Pacific and the Pasadena lines, connecting Los Angeles to Santa Monica. The small community, at the time named “Sherman,” was the site of the Los Angeles Pacific Railway Co. Headquarters. While the history of West Hollywood traces back to the 1780s, the town as we know it today is a testament to the legacy left by every past generation.
As Hollywood and the motion picture industry gained steam at the beginning of the 20th century, the town of Sherman became increasingly popular. While the town’s more famous and well-known neighbor, Hollywood, was home to movie studios and movie stars, when Pickford-Fairbanks Studios was established in 1925, the residents of Sherman voted to change the town name to West Hollywood.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Though Hollywood was well-known for its famous residents, West Hollywood was no stranger to celebrity and influence either. The likes of Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many more have called West Hollywood home, and celebrity interest in the neighborhood hasn’t waned. Modern superstars such as Johnny Depp, Katy Perry, Jennifer Anniston, and Mila Kunis have all found a West Hollywood address that has caught their attention.
WeHo, in its infancy, was unincorporated and lacked a police department which contributed to the city’s lasting legacy as a hub for nightlife and libations. Thus, emerged the Sunset Strip. Gambling, legal in Los Angeles County but not LA City, was a time-honored tradition at the hotels and nightclubs in the area. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, WeHo was the place to be. Deco designs, coupled with ultimate old-world glamour, created a metropolitan masterpiece in the epicenter of Los Angeles. Though West Hollywood was glitzy in its heyday, the neighborhood has become an upscale enclave with trendy bars, fashionable shops, quaint coffee houses, and one-of-a-kind artwork.
West Hollywood Poetry Walk. This temporary public art installation displays poetry next to pre-existing empty concrete plinths where sculptures are usually displayed. Photo: Adobe Stock
The City of West Hollywood proudly supports and oversees various art programs that add to the beautification and longstanding creative culture. Original temporary artistic installations can be found around the city, all symbolizing unique messages. The city’s Arts Division is one of the most magnificent in Greater Los Angeles, delivering a broad array of art, including film, poetry, music, mural programs, and much more. In 2017, WeHo Arts: The Plan was adopted and has been in place since. The community-based cultural plan based on five key principles— Space, Engagement, Support, Visibility, and Experimentation— is a core reason for West Hollywood’s vibrant art scene.
1011 N Crescent Heights Blvd, West Hollywood. Represented by Chris Mara.
While the art is proudly on display, the homes in WeHo are hidden gems. At 1011 North Crescent Heights Boulevard is a rare opportunity for not only one home but 12. The new construction income property is a Modern build with 12 rental units. All featuring private outdoor spaces, 9ft ceilings, picture frame windows, and a West Hollywood quality of life, this $11-million opportunity is an amazing deal with tremendous upside. Chris Mara, Vice President of Commercial Properties Division at Hilton & Hyland, holds the listing.
435 Westmount Drive, West Hollywood. Represented by Steven Medina.
When you see the quintessential Spanish colonial with a modern twist at 435 Westmount Drive, you understand the quality found around WeHo. South of Rosewood and at the end of a cul-de-sac in a prime West Hollywood location is an exceptional opportunity to lease a luxury home. With a Spanish tower entry, a carved wooden door, ornate tile work, soft arches, and lush greenery allowing for ultimate privacy, “there isn’t a better offer in the area,” said Steven Medina, Estates Director at Hilton & Hyland and listing agent for 435 Westmount Drive.